Photos: Cemetery salute to veterans on Memorial Day

Updated 7:06 am, Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard prepares the elements for Communion during a special Memorial Day Mass at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard prepares the elements for...

Veterans were honored during a special Memorial Day Mass, as part of a national celebration, "Serving God and Country: A memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes," at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

Veterans were honored during a special Memorial Day Mass, as part...

The grave marker for long-time president of St. Claire's Hospital, Jerome Stewart, in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. Stewart served in the Army in France during World War II and was awarded the Bronze star and Purple Heart. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

The grave marker for long-time president of St. Claire's Hospital,...

Bishop of Albany, Howard J. Hubbard, right, prepares the elements for Communion with Reverend Richard Carlino during a special Memorial Day Mass at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

Bishop of Albany, Howard J. Hubbard, right, prepares the elements...

Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard speaks during a special Memorial Day Mass at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard speaks during a special Memorial...

Reverend Richard Carlino, right, prepares Bishop of Albany, Howard J. Hubbard for a special Memorial Day Mass at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

Reverend Richard Carlino, right, prepares Bishop of Albany, Howard...

The family of long-time president of St. Clare's Hospital the late Jerome Stewart, stand for a picture with Albany Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, after a special Memorial Day Mass held at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. From left, Victoria Maloney, Kate Maloney, Jennifer Lotano, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, Dolores Stewart, Rita Dee, Jessica O'Connell and her son Ambrose. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

The family of long-time president of St. Clare's Hospital the late...

The grave marker for long-time president of St. Claire's Hospital, Jerome Stewart, in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Monday, May 27, 2013 in Niskayuna, N.Y. Stewart served in the Army in France during World War II and was awarded the Bronze star and Purple Heart. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union)

NISKAYUNA -- Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery was the site of a special Memorial Day Mass on Monday honoring veterans as part of a national celebration, "Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes."

The national program, celebrated at 2,000 cemeteries, was developed by the Catholic Cemetery Conference. It honors men and women who died while serving in the armed forces and recognizes active military and military veterans.

The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, included Capital Region veterans from all branches of the military and the family of Jerome Stewart, the long-time president of St. Clare's Hospital. Stewart, who served in the Army in France during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, was buried in the cemetery in February.

Veterans attending the Mass received a special lapel pin and tribute boards were displayed where veterans, active military members and their families have written messages of thanks and remembrance.